William & Mary will join the other members of the CAA and opt into the House vs. NCAA Settlement on July 1, 2025.

The finalized settlement addressed issues with roster limits and created the Designated Student-Athlete category, important changes that influenced W&M's decision to opt in now. 

"We have clarity about what the entire settlement package looks like, and most importantly, the competitive careers of our student-athletes have been protected," said Brian D. Mann, Director of W&M Athletics.  "I am very grateful to our coaches, our staff and our student-athletes who have gone through this process with us to reach this outcome."

In essence, the ruling about roster limits grandfathers in student-athletes with remaining eligibility, and doesn't count them against the roster limits of a particular sport, said Mann.  "These changes are very positive with respect to student-athlete welfare, and they will be very helpful as institutions adapt to the new rules outlined in the settlement."

In February, W&M issued a statement that the school would opt into the House Settlement in 2026, citing as problematic the lack of knowledge of the final details. Here is W&M's previous statement.